Solar wind chime

ABSTRACT

A solar wind chime having a structure that supports a solar energy system, a electrical subsystem, a cage, and a chime. The solar energy system includes a rechargeable electrical power source conductively coupled to a solar energy collection system. The rechargeable electrical power source powers one or more electrical subsystems. The electrical subsystem having at least one light for illuminating the solar wind chime. The cage is configured for protecting an ornamental object. The chime includes a bracket disposed within the chime. A wire extends through the chime and is at least partially supported by the bracket.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/049,936, filed 17 Mar. 2008, titled “Solar Wind Chime,” which ishereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forthherein, and which claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.11/224,212, filed 12 Sep. 2005, titled “Solar Wind Chime,” which ishereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forthherein, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/672,793, filed 19 Apr. 2005, titled “Solar Wind Chime,” and U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/649,630, filed 2 Feb. 2005, titled “SolarWind Chime,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates in general to the field of wind chimes.

2. Description of Related Art

There are many designs of wind chimes well known in the art. Wind chimesare typically used outdoors; however, some wind chimes are used indoorsor outdoors in an area that is protected from the environment. At night,or in otherwise poorly illuminated locations, it is difficult tovisually inspect a wind chime or fully appreciate the decorative natureof a wind chime. While there are many wind chimes well known in the art,considerable room for improvement remains.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present application, includingits features and advantages, reference is now made to the detaileddescription of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which like numerals identify like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is an oblique view of a solar wind chime according to thepresent application;

FIG. 1B is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the solar windchime;

FIG. 1C is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the solar windchime;

FIG. 2 is a high level schematic of the solar energy system of the solarwind chime;

FIG. 3 is an oblique view of an alternate embodiment of the solar windchime;

FIG. 4 is an oblique view of an alternate embodiment of the solar windchime;

FIG. 5 is an oblique view of an alternate embodiment of the solar windchime;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the solar windchime;

FIG. 7 is an oblique view of an alternative embodiment of the solarwind;

FIG. 8 is an oblique view of an alternative embodiment of the solar windchime;

FIG. 9 is an oblique view of an alternative embodiment of the solar windchime;

FIG. 10 a is a cut-out, enlarged view of a chime of the solar windchime; and

FIGS. 10 b-d are enlarged top views of the chime of the solar windchime.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1A in the drawings, the preferred embodiment of asolar wind chime 10 according to the present application is illustrated.Solar wind chime 10 preferably comprises a body 12, body 12 comprisingside faces 14, top faces 16, and a bottom face 18. Solar wind chime 10further comprises chimes 20 attached to bottom face 18 with strings 22.It should be appreciated that while solar wind chime 10 is illustratedas comprising chimes 20, solar wind chime may alternatively compriseother hanging accessories, decorative elements, or devices incombination with or in place of chimes 20 (see FIGS. 3-6). Solar windchime 10 preferably comprises a hanger 24 attached to an upper part ofbody 12. Solar wind chime 10 further comprises an enclosure 225 and asolar energy system 201 (see FIG. 2).

Solar wind chime 10 is preferably suspended from a support structure(not shown) by attaching hanger 24 to the support structure. Hanger 24is preferably an eyebolt adapted for suspending solar wind chime 10 froma support structure; however, hanger 24 may alternatively be a clasp,hook, or other suitable device or apparatus. It should be appreciatedthat while body 12 is preferably substantially box shaped, body 12 mayalternatively form other geometric shapes or be irregular in shape. Body12 is preferably constructed of a weatherproof plastic but mayalternatively be constructed of metal, wood, glass, or other suitablematerials. Chimes 20 are preferably constructed of metal tubing, but mayalternatively be constructed of wood, plastic, or other suitablematerial. Further, chimes 20 may not be tubular in nature but insteadmay comprise solid members. It should be appreciated that alternativeembodiments of solar wind chime 10 may optionally comprise a supportingstructure adapted for vertically supporting the wind chime.

Referring to FIG. 1B in the drawings, a preferred embodiment of a solarwind chime 10 according to the present application is illustrated. Solarwind chime 10 preferably comprises a body 12, body 12 comprising sidefaces, top faces, and a bottom face. Solar wind chime 10 furthercomprises chimes 20, striker 31, and pendulum 33 attached to the bottomface of body 12 with strings 22. Solar wind chime 10 preferablycomprises a hanger 24 attached to an upper part of body 12. Solar windchime 10 further comprises an enclosure 225 and a solar energy system201 (see FIG. 2).

Solar wind chime 10 further comprises a plurality of lighting elements221 conductively coupled to solar energy system 201, as shown anddescribed below in FIG. 2. The plurality of lighting elements 221 mayfor example attach to any portion of body 12, any portion of chimes 20,any portion of striker 31, or any portion of pendulum 33. In addition oras an alternative, solar wind chime 10 further comprises a plurality ofsolar collectors 215 and photo cells 223, as described in more detail inFIG. 2. Solar collectors 215 may for example attach to any portion ofbody 12, any portion of chimes 20, any portion of striker 31, or anyportion of pendulum 33.

Referring to FIG. 1C in the drawings, a preferred embodiment of a solarwind chime 10 according to the present application is illustrated. Solarwind chime 10 preferably comprises a body 12, body 12 comprising sidefaces, top faces, and a bottom face. Solar wind chime 10 furthercomprises mobile elements 21 attached to the bottom face of body 12 withstrings 22. Solar wind chime 10 preferably comprises a hanger 24attached to an upper part of body 12. Solar wind chime 10 furthercomprises an enclosure 225 and a solar energy system 201 (see FIG. 2).

Solar wind chime 10 further comprises a plurality of lighting elements221 conductively coupled to solar energy system 201, as shown anddescribed below in FIG. 2. The plurality of lighting elements 221 mayfor example attach to any portion of body 12 or any portion of mobileelements 21. In addition or as an alternative, solar wind chime 10further comprises a plurality of solar collectors 215 and photo cells223, as described in more detail in FIG. 2. Solar collectors 215 may forexample attach to any portion of body 12 or any portion of mobileelements 21.

Now referring to FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of solar energy system201 according to the present application is illustrated. Solar energysystem 201 preferably comprises a solar energy collection system 203, arechargeable electrical power source 205, and a control system 207.Solar energy system 201 is preferably conductively coupled to anelectrical subsystem 209. Solar energy system 201 may optionally beconductively coupled to an auxiliary electrical power source 211.Conductive coupling is preferably achieved through the use of electricalconductors 213 such as insulated copper wires, circuit boards, or othersuitable devices or means for conductively coupling electricalcomponents.

Solar energy collection system 203 preferably comprises a solarcollector 215 (see FIG. 1) and other necessary circuitry for receivingand collecting solar energy and converting the solar energy intoelectrical energy. Solar energy collection system 203 is preferablyconductively coupled to both rechargeable electrical power source 205and control system 207 with electrical conductors 213. Rechargeableelectrical power source 205 preferably comprises a rechargeable batteryfor storing electrical energy; however, rechargeable electrical powersource 205 may alternatively comprise any rechargeable electrical powerstorage device, such as a capacitor, battery pack, any other suitabledevice for storing electrical energy, or combination thereof.Rechargeable electrical power source 205 is preferably conductivelycoupled to solar energy collection system 203 and control system 207with electrical conductors 213.

The purpose of solar energy system 201 is preferably to convert solarenergy into electrical energy and to supply that electrical energy toone or more electrical subsystems 209. In operation, solar energycollection system 203 preferably converts solar energy into electricalenergy. Solar energy collection system 203 preferably deliverselectrical energy to rechargeable electrical power source 205 to providea trickle charge to rechargeable electrical power source 205. However,when rechargeable electrical power source 205 is fully charged, solarenergy collection system 203 preferably delivers electrical energy tocontrol system 207 where the electrical energy is preferably divertedfor uses other than charging rechargeable electrical power source 205.For example, the electrical energy can be used to directly powerelectrical subsystem 209 rather than electrical subsystem 209 consumingpower from rechargeable electrical power source 205.

Auxiliary electrical power source 211 preferably comprises analternating current power source such as power from a conventional ACoutlet; however, auxiliary electrical power source 211 may alternativelycomprise a direct current power source such as a non-rechargeablebattery, one or more fuel cells, a renewable energy source such as awind powered generator, a rechargeable battery pack (in which thebattery pack is removed, recharged remotely, and thereafter replacedback into auxiliary electrical power source 211), or any otherelectrical power source suitable for providing solar energy system 201with additional electrical energy. Of course, the foregoingconfiguration allows for the interchanging, or swapping, of batterypacks. Auxiliary electrical power source 211 is preferably conductivelycoupled to solar energy system 201 and preferably delivers electricalenergy to control system 207. Auxiliary electrical power source 211preferably supplies electrical energy for a variety of uses including:powering electrical subsystem 209, recharging rechargeable electricalpower source 205, and powering other solar energy system 201 circuitrysuch as control system 207.

Alternative embodiments of solar energy system 201 may not include thesolar energy collection system 203. Instead, solar energy system 201 maycomprise a circuit for powering electrical subsystem 209 operable onlyby electrical energy supplied by auxiliary electrical power source 211.

Control system 207 preferably comprises circuitry, microprocessors,memory devices, sensors, switches, and other electronic componentsnecessary to: partially or fully direct electrical energy from solarenergy collection system 203 to rechargeable electrical power source205, fully or partially direct electrical energy from solar energycollection system 203 to electrical subsystem 209, allow a user tomanually switch solar energy system 201 on and off, receive input toalter or control the performance of the recharging of rechargeableelectrical power source 205 and/or the supply of electrical energy toelectrical subsystems 209, control the performance of electricalsubsystems 209, fully or partially charge rechargeable electrical powersource 205 with electrical energy supplied by auxiliary electrical powersource 211, and fully or partially power electrical subsystem 209 withelectrical energy from auxiliary power source 211.

It should be appreciated that while solar energy system 201 comprisescontrol system 207 in this preferred embodiment, simpler and lesssophisticated embodiments of solar energy system 201 are possible. Forexample, solar energy system 201 may not comprise control system 207,but merely comprise solar energy collection system 203 and rechargeableelectrical power source 205 conductively coupled to each other withelectrical conductors 213.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, electrical subsystem 209 is preferably alighting subsystem 219 for providing illumination. Lighting subsystem219 preferably comprises lighting elements 221 conductively coupled tosolar energy system 201. Lighting elements 221 are preferably lightemitting diodes (LED's), but may be organic light emitting diodes,incandescent bulbs, cold cathode ray tubes, fluorescent lights, or anyother suitable electrical lighting apparatus, or combination thereof. Itshould be appreciated that the electrical subsystem 209 of alternateembodiments of the present application may be a water pumping subsystem,sound subsystem, video subsystem, microphone subsystem, receiving andtransmitting subsystem, motion actuating subsystem, cooling subsystem,heating subsystem, raising and lowering subsystem, water agitationsubsystem, electrical motor subsystem, any other electrically poweredsubsystem, or combination thereof.

A translucent shield, a lens, reflector, light fixture, or a combinationof these may optionally be attached to or operably associated withlighting subsystem 219 to enhance or alter the illumination provided bylighting elements 221. The optional shields, lenses, reflectors, andfixtures may also be configured to prevent water, dirt, or otherparticulate matter from interfering with the operation of lightingelements 221. Further, it should be appreciated that the optionalshields, lenses, reflectors, and fixtures may be incorporated into anyembodiment of the present application.

It should be appreciated that lighting subsystem 219 and control system207 may include selected components, circuitry, and microprocessorcontrol chips to produce a variety of optional features. For example,optional features may include: manual lighting intensity controls,blinking lights, fading lights, changing the light color, motionactivated lighting, sound activated lighting, a wide variety of lightingsequence or motion effects, and any other appropriate lighting effectsor interactive means for controlling lighting effects. Of course, anycomponents, circuitry, microprocessor control chips, or other means ofcontrolling or altering the functionality of electrical subsystem 209would be conductively coupled to solar energy system 201, electricalsubsystem 209, and/or auxiliary electrical power source 211. Further,where electrical subsystem 209 is not a lighting subsystem 219, itshould be appreciated that similar controls, programming capabilities,interactive input devices, and other electrical subsystem 209performance controls or alteration means may be incorporated into theelectrical subsystem 209 and/or the associated control system 207.

A photo resistor, or photo cell 223 (see FIG. 1), is preferablyincorporated into the preferred embodiment of control system 207. Photocell 223 detects the presence of light and controls whether lightingelements 221 provide illumination, by switching lighting elements 221 onor off, or by regulating the intensity of light provided by lightingelements 221. For example, when photo cell 223 detects a substantialamount of light, lighting elements 221 are switched off and provide noillumination. However, when photo cell 223 detects a low level of light,lighting elements 221 are switched on and provide illumination.Alternatively, photo cell 223 may be used to dim or brighten the outputof lighting elements 221. In addition, one or more on-off switches orbuttons may be incorporated into control system 207 to facilitate theoperation of solar energy system 201, or to vary the operation andcontrol of solar energy system 201, auxiliary electrical power source211, or electrical subsystem 209. It will be appreciated that theoperation of solar energy system 201, auxiliary electrical power source211, and electrical subsystem 209 may be controlled remotely by infraredlight, radio wave, or other types of transmitters and receivers.

It should be appreciated that solar energy system 201 may furthercomprise or be conductively coupled to a connection port forconveniently interfacing solar energy system 201 with other components,systems, subsystems, or any other suitable devices. The connection portis preferably conductively coupled with control system 207; however,connection port may alternatively be conductively coupled to any othercomponent of solar energy system 201, auxiliary electrical power source211, or electrical subsystem 209. More specifically, connection portsmay be adapted to interface with electrical devices electrical deviceshaving power plugs compatible with the connection port. Connection portswould be a great convenience because electrical devices such as lights,fans, radios, or other suitable electrical devices can be supplied poweror controlled by solar energy system when connected to the connectionport.

Components of solar energy system 201, auxiliary electrical power source211, and electrical subsystem 209 may be located substantially near eachother. For example, in the preferred embodiment, with the exceptions ofsolar collectors 215, photo cell 223, and lighting elements 221, much ofthe circuitry of solar energy system 201, auxiliary electrical powersource 211, and electrical subsystem 209 is preferably substantiallyhoused within an enclosure 225 (see FIG. 1). It should be appreciatedthat the components of solar energy system 201, auxiliary electricalpower source 211, and electrical subsystem 209 are preferablysubstantially protected such that water, dirt, and other matter isprevented from interfering with the operation of solar energy system201, auxiliary electrical power source 211, and electrical subsystem209. It should also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments,components of solar energy system 201, auxiliary electrical power source211, and electrical subsystem 209 may not be housed in enclosure 225 andmay be located substantial distances from each other while remainingconductively coupled. For example, an alternative embodiment of thepresent application may be configured such that solar collector 215 islocated on a home rooftop and is conductively coupled to rechargeableelectrical power source 205, other components, systems, and/orsubsystems which are located a significant distance away from solarcollector 215, such as near the ground level of the home.

It should be appreciated that enclosure 225 may alternatively be adaptedto carry all or substantially all of the components of solar energysystem 201, electrical subsystem 209, and auxiliary electrical powersource 211. In alternative embodiments of the present application,enclosure 225 may be shaped and adapted for easy connection to anddisconnection from the structure supporting enclosure 225. For example,an embodiment of enclosure 225 may allow enclosure 225 to be removablyattached to the structure supporting enclosure 225, subsequentlydetached from the structure, and later removably attached to a differentsupporting structure. Alternatively, enclosure 225 may be integrally orsealably attached to a supporting structure. For example, enclosure 225may be attached such that it passes through a hole in a supportingstructure and forms a watertight seal with that hole. It should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments where the enclosure carriesthe entire solar energy system and/or other circuitry or systems, theenclosure may be inset, inlaid, or disposed in a recessed space of thesupporting structure. For example, side faces 14, top faces 16, andbottom face 18 may have a space cut out for fully or partially receivingthe enclosure whereby lighting elements may illuminate solar wind chime10 system from a recessed area of side faces 14, top faces 16, and/orbottom face 18. Further, enclosure 225 may alternatively be attached todifferent types of structures or embodiments of the present applicationsuitable for supporting or carrying enclosure 225.

Components of solar energy system 201, auxiliary electrical power source211, and electrical subsystem 209 may be located and/or operablyassociated with various locations on each embodiment of solar windchime, including in body 12, side faces 14, top faces 16, bottom face18, chimes 20, strings 22, and hanger 24. Additionally, components ofsolar energy system 201, auxiliary electrical power source 211, andelectrical subsystem 209 systems may be located remote from and evensignificantly distant from each wind chime. Enclosure 225 is preferablylocated within body 12 in a hollow portion of body 12 between side faces14, top faces 16, and bottom face 18; however, it should be appreciatedthat in some embodiments of the present application, one or morecomponents of solar energy system 201 may be located remote from thehollow portion of body 12. In addition or as an alternative, enclosure225 may be attached in a hollow portion of striker 31, on pendulum 33,or in chimes 20.

Solar collector 215 may be located at any suitable location on or aboutsolar wind chime 10 or remote from solar wind chime 10; however, it ispreferred that solar collector 215 be optimally exposed to solar light.Solar collector 215 is preferably attached to top face 16, but mayalternately be located remote from top face 16. For those applicationsin which solar wind chime 10 is primarily a decorative piece displayedindoors, it may be desirable to locate solar collector 215 at a locationon solar wind chime 10 that is near or faces a window, or at a locationremote from solar wind chime 10 where the remote location may havedifferent ambient lighting conditions. For example, if solar wind chime10 is located indoors with low levels of light available for conversionto electrical energy by solar collector 215, solar collector 215 may belocated outdoors to expose solar collector 215 to more light. It shouldbe understood that sufficiently long electrical conductors 213 areincorporated to achieve remote placement of solar collectors 215 andother remotely located electrical components. For similar reasons, photocell 223 is also preferably attached to top face 16, but may alternatelybe located remote from top face 16. In addition or as an alternative,solar collector 215 may be attached to pendulum 33 (see FIG. 1B).

Lighting elements 221 are preferably attached to bottom face 18.Lighting elements 221 may also optionally be operably associated withside faces 14, top faces 16, chimes 20 (or other hanging accessories,hanging decorative elements, or hanging devices in combination with orin place of chimes 20), strings 22, and/or hanger 24. Lighting elements221 preferably illuminate solar wind chime 10 and/or the space in andaround solar wind chime 10. Specifically, lighting elements 221 arepreferably connected to bottom face 18 and arranged to illuminate solarwind chime 10 in a manner such that chimes 20 and the area below bottomface 18 are substantially illuminated. It should be appreciated thatlighting elements 221 may alternatively be located remote from solarwind chime 10 such that lighting elements 221 provide illumination tospaces significantly remote from solar wind chime 10. For example,multiple lighting elements 221 may be located remote from solar windchime 10 so that the remotely located lighting elements 221 illuminate apath or walkway leading to solar wind chime 10.

It should be appreciated that solar wind chime 10 may alternatively beconstructed of optically conductive material such as glass or atranslucent plastic. Where an element of solar wind chime 10 isconstructed of an optically conductive material, lighting elements 221may be located within the translucent element such as side face 14, topface 16, bottom face 18, chime 20, string 22, or hanger 24, therebyoptionally creating a glowing illumination effect.

In alternative embodiments, multiple lighting elements may be located onor about solar wind chime 10. The multiple lighting elements may bearranged in a manner such that the lighting elements illuminate withstrips of illumination. Further, alternate embodiments of solar windchime 10 may include more than one solar energy system to independentlypower multiple lighting elements.

Referring now to FIG. 3 in the drawings, an alternate embodiment of thesolar wind chime 10 is illustrated. Solar wind chime 310 is similar tosolar wind chime 10 and includes a body 312 substantially similar tobody 12 in form and function. Solar wind chime 310 also includes solarenergy system 201 and lighting subsystem 219. As illustrated, theelements of solar energy system 201 and lighting subsystem 219 arelocated on body 412 in substantially the same manner as they areattached to body 12. However, solar wind chime 10 does not includechimes 20, but instead, solar wind chime 310 includes a decorativegazing ball 320 hung from body 312 by a string 322. Gazing ball 320 isillustrated as a ball having a smooth silver mirrored finish. Of course,gazing ball 320 may be attached to string 322 in a myriad of ways, butas illustrated, gazing ball 320 is attached at one end of string 322. Itshould be appreciated that string 322 may alternatively be replaced withany other appropriate means for attaching decorative elements such asgazing ball 320 to body 312. For example, a weaved or knotted hempfeature may be adapted for attachment to body 312 and to carry gazingball 320.

Referring now to FIG. 4 in the drawings, an alternate embodiment of thesolar wind chime 10 is illustrated. Solar wind chime 410 is similar tosolar wind chime 10 and includes a body 412 substantially similar tobody 12 in form and function. Solar wind chime 310 also includes solarenergy system 201 and lighting subsystem 219. As illustrated, theelements of solar energy system 201 and lighting subsystem 219 arelocated on body 412 in substantially the same manner as they areattached to body 12. However, solar wind chime 10 does not includechimes 20, but instead, solar wind chime 410 includes a decorativehelical feature 420 hung from body 412 by string 422. Helical feature420 is illustrated as being constructed of a single metal spiral elementhaving discrete metal elements tangentially attached to the spiralelement.

Referring now to FIG. 5 in the drawings, an alternate embodiment of thesolar wind chime 10 is illustrated. Solar wind chime 510 comprising atranslucent spherical body 512 that carries solar energy system 201.Enclosure 225 houses the elements of solar energy system 201, whichincludes lighting elements 221. The translucent ball enables light toreach solar collectors 215 and photocells 223. Similarly, light fromlighting elements 221 illuminates body 512 from within and may create aglowing effect. Of course, body 512 may be attached to string 522 in amyriad of ways, but as illustrated, body 512 is attached at one end ofstring 522 while the remaining end of string 522 is attached to hanger524.

Referring now to FIG. 6 in the drawings, an alternate embodiment of thesolar wind chime 10 is illustrated. Solar wind chime 610 includes ahanger 624 which is illustrated as carrying solar energy system 201 andlighting subsystem 219 within and on hanger 624. A decorative hangingelement 620, illustrated as a series of interconnected discrete woodenbars organized to create a helical shape is illustrated as beingsuspended from hanger 624 by a string 622. Lighting elements 221 areillustrated as being located at various locations on and about hanger624 so as to substantially illuminate decorative hanging element 620.Also, photocell 223 and solar collectors 215 are illustrate as beingattached to hanger 624.

Referring now to FIG. 7 in the drawings, an alternative embodiment ofthe solar wind chime 10 is illustrated as solar wind chime 710. Solarwind chime 710 includes a body 712, at least one chime 20 supported bybody 712 with a string 714, a cage 716 supported by body 712 with astring 718, a decorative object 720 disposed within cage 716, and apendulum 722 supported by cage 716. As illustrated, body 712 is attachedat one end of a string 724 while the remaining end of string 724 isattached to a hanger 726. It should be understood that alternativeembodiments may include other suitable devices in lieu of hanger 726 forpurposes of attaching solar wind chime 710 to a supporting object (notshown). In addition, it should be understood that strings 714, 718, and724 may be composed of a wire, a cord, or other suitable materialscapable of supporting or providing electrical conductivity from a solarenergy system 201 to one or more of the lighting elements 221.

In the illustrated embodiment, body 712 carries solar collector 215,photo cell 223, lighting elements 221, solar energy system 201, and anelectrical subsystem 730. It should be understood that that the chimes20, cage 716, decorative object 720, and pendulum 722 can also includeone or more solar collectors 215, photo cells 223, lighting elements221, solar energy systems 201, and/or electrical subsystems 730.

As illustrated, lighting elements 221 are located at various locationson and about solar wind chime 710 so as to illuminate members of solarwind chime 710. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of thelighting elements 221 is disposed within decorative object 720 forpurposes of illuminating decorative object 720 in a back-lit fashion. Insome embodiments, one or more lighting elements 221 can be disposedwithin, attached outside of, and/or hang from one or more of the chimes20. In some embodiments, electrical subsystem 730 can include a soundsubsystem. The sound subsystem can provide audible chime sounds and beoperably associated with photo cell 223 for switching electricalsubsystem 730 on and off at predetermined times during the day. Inalternative embodiments, sound subsystem may provide instrumentalsounds, voice sounds, nature sounds, animal sounds, and combinationsthereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, cage 716 comprises a plurality of ribs732. The ribs 732 can include rigid members suitable for serving dualfunctions: protecting decorative object 720 and serving as a striker forhitting chimes 20. It should be understood that in alternativeembodiments, ribs 732 may be designed in a myriad of decorativeconfigurations. In addition, cage 716 can be an enclosure withperforations of various shapes such as stars, circles, squares, andother designs. In the illustrated embodiment, decorative object 720 isspherical in shape and composed of illuminative and reflectivematerials, which can include plastic, glass, and/or other such materialsthat allow at least some light from an internal lighting element 221 topass therethrough. In alternative embodiments, decorative object 720 maybe designed with other shapes such as cubes, cylinders, cones, animals,humans, vehicles, buildings, monuments, and other shapes. In addition,alternative embodiments of decorative object 720 may be composed ofmaterials that are non-reflective and non-illuminative. Alternativeembodiments of decorative object 720 can include surfaces that have beenpainted, embossed, engraved, or covered with adhesive materials, such asa sticker.

In alternative embodiments, body 712 may be supported by an ornamentalobject, for example as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In addition, alternativeembodiments may also include decorative elements 320, 420, and 620 asdiscussed in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 8 in the drawings, an alternative embodiment ofthe solar wind chime 10 is illustrated. Solar wind chime 810 is similarto solar wind chime 10 and includes a body 812 substantially similar tobody 12 in function. In the illustrated embodiment, solar wind chime 810has body 812, an ornamental object 814 supported by body 812 with astring 816, a platform 818 supported by ornamental object 814 with astring 820, chimes 20 supported by platform 818 with respective strings822, and a striker 824 supported by platform 818 with a string 826. Asillustrated, body 812 is attached at one end of a string 828 while theremaining end of string 828 is attached to a hanger 830. It should beunderstood that alternative embodiments may include other devices inlieu of hanger 830 for purposes of attaching solar wind chime 810 to asupporting object (not shown). In addition, it should be understood thatone or more of the strings 816, 820, 822, and 826 incorporated withsolar wind chime 810 may be composed of a wire, a cord, and/oralternative materials capable of supporting solar wind chime 810 and/orproviding electrical conductivity from energy system 201 to anelectrical subsystem 832 or lighting element 221.

In the illustrated embodiment, body 812 carries solar collector 215,photo cell 223, lighting element 221, solar energy subsystem 201, andelectrical subsystem 832. It should be understood that chime 20,ornamental object 814, platform 818, and striker 824 can also includeone or more solar collectors 215, photo cells 223, lighting elements221, solar energy subsystems 201, and/or electrical subsystems 832. Asillustrated, lighting elements 221 are located at various locations onand about solar wind chime 810 so as to illuminate body 812, chime 20,ornamental object 814, platform 818, striker 824, or the combinationthereof. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one lighting element221 is disposed within ornamental object 814 for purposes ofilluminating ornamental object 814 in a back-lit fashion.

In some embodiments, electrical subsystem 832 can include a soundsubsystem. The sound subsystem can provide audible chime sounds and beoperably associated with photo cell 223 for switching electricalsubsystem 832 on and off at predetermined times during the day. In someembodiments, sound subsystem may provide instrumental sounds, voicesounds, nature sounds, animal sounds, and combinations thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of projections 836 (only oneis marked for simplicity) are coupled to ornamental object 814 and arecomposed of illuminative and reflective materials. In alternativeembodiments, ornamental object 814 may be designed with alternativegeometric configurations such as, a spherical, a cubical, a cylindrical,or a conical shape. In addition, ornamental object 814 may be designedto take the shape of animals, humans, vehicles, buildings, monuments,and other shapes. Alternative embodiments of ornamental object 814 maybe composed of materials that are non-reflective and non-illuminative.Alternative embodiments of ornament object 814 can include surfaces thathave been painted, embossed, engraved, or covered with adhesivematerials such as a sticker.

In alternative embodiments, striker 824 may house a decorative objectsubstantially similar to decorative object 720 discussed in FIG. 7above. In addition, striker 824 may be configured with a plurality ofribs substantially similar to the rib configuration discussed in FIG. 7above. Alternative embodiments may also include a pendulum or decorativeelements 320, 420, and 620 as discussed in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6,respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 9 in the drawings, an alternate embodiment of thesolar wind chime 10 is illustrated. Solar wind chime 910 issubstantially similar to solar wind chime 810 in form and function. Inthe illustrated embodiment, solar wind chime 910 has a body 912, anornamental object 914 supported by body 912 with a string 916, aplatform 918 supported by ornamental object 914 with a string 920, chime20 supported by platform 918 with a string 922, a striker 924 supportedby ornamental object 914 with string 920, and a pendulum 926 supportedby striker 924 with a string 928. As illustrated, body 912 is attachedat one end of a string 930 while the remaining end of string 930 isattached to a hanger 932. It should be understood that alternativeembodiments may incorporated other devices in lieu of hanger 932 forpurposes of attaching solar wind chime 910 to a supporting object (notshown). In addition, it should be understood that one or more of thestrings 916, 920, and 928 incorporated with solar wind chime 910 may becomposed of a wire, a cord, and/or alternative materials capable ofsupporting solar wind chime 910 and/or providing electrical conductivityfrom energy system 201 to an electrical subsystem 934 or lightingelement 221.

In the illustrated embodiment, body 912 carries solar collector 215,photo cell 223, lighting element 221, solar energy subsystem 201, andelectrical subsystem 934. It should be understood that chime 20,ornamental object 914, platform 918, striker 924 can also include one ormore solar collectors 215, photo cells 223, lighting elements 221, solarenergy subsystems 201, and/or electrical subsystems 934. As illustrated,lighting elements 221 are located at various locations on and aboutsolar wind chime 910 so as to illuminate body 912, chime 20, ornamentalobject 914, platform 918, striker 924, or the combination thereof. Inthe illustrated embodiment, at least one lighting element 221 isdisposed within ornamental object 914 for purposes of illuminatingornamental object 914 in a back-lit fashion. In the illustratedembodiment, ornamental object 914 is spherical in shape and composed ofilluminative and reflective materials. In alternative embodiments,ornament object 914 can be composed of non-reflective andnon-illuminative materials. In alternative embodiments, ornamentalobject 914 can include different geometric configurations such as acubical, a cylindrical, or a conical shape. In addition, ornamentalobject 814 may be designed to take the shape of animals, humans,vehicles, buildings, monuments, and other shapes. Alternativeembodiments of ornament object 914 may include surfaces that have beenpainted, embossed, engraved, or covered with adhesive materials, such asa sticker.

In alternative embodiments, striker 924 may house a decorative objectsubstantially similar to decorative object 720 discussed in FIG. 7above. In addition, striker 924 may be configured with a plurality ofribs substantially similar to the rib configuration discussed in FIG. 7above. Alternative embodiments may also include decorative elements 320,420, and 620 as discussed in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 10 a in the drawings, a cut-out side view of chime20 according to the present application is shown. Chime 20 has an innersurface 1010, an opening 1012 and an opening 1014. Chime 20 is supportedby a body 1016 with a string 1018 and carries two brackets 1020 that arecoupled to inner surface 1010. A wire 1022 is supported by brackets 1020and provides electrical conductivity from energy system 201 to alighting element 221. In some embodiments, the wire 1022 can freelyslide through the brackets 1020, but the wire 1022 is supported in thatthe wire 1022 is laterally supported so as to prevent the wire 1022 frommaking contact with the inner surface 1010. In some embodiments, thewire 1022 can be longitudinally supported by the brackets 1020 such thatthe wire 1022 cannot easily slide through the brackets 1020. Forexample, in embodiments such as the one shown in FIG. 10 a, the wire1022 can be pulled taught between the brackets 1020 and kept taught bythe brackets 1020 since the wire 1022 cannot easily pass through thebrackets 1020. This type of longitudinal support can be accomplished ina number of ways, for example by providing a pass-through opening in thebrackets 1020 that at least somewhat pinches or attaches to the wire1022. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, thenumber of brackets used is not limited to two brackets 1020. Any numberof brackets 1020 can be used and spaced apart as required such that wire1022 does not come in contact with inner surface 1010. In alternativeembodiments, brackets 1020 may be positioned at openings 1012, 1014. Inaddition, brackets 1020 may be positioned such that lighting element 221can be disposed within chime 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 b-d in the drawings, three differentembodiments of bracket 1020 are shown. FIGS. 10 b-d show respective topviews of the chime 20. In FIG. 10 b, a cantilevered bracket 1024 isshown coupled to inner surface 1010 of chime 20. Bracket 1024 has anopening 1026 that passes through bracket 1024 for passage of wire 1022(not shown). In FIG. 10 c, a bridged bracket 1028 is shown coupled toinner surface 1010 of chime 20. Bracket 1028 has an opening 1030 thatpasses through bracket 1028 for passage of wire 1022 (not shown). InFIG. 10 d, a cantilevered bracket 1032 is shown coupled to inner surface1010 of chime 20. Bracket 1032 has a clip 1034 for attaching wire 1022(not shown). It should be understood that other configurations forbracket 1020 can be used for spacing the wire from the inner surface1010 of the chime 20.

The present application provides significant advantages, including: (1)an unique cage that protects a decorative object and serves as a strikerfor hitting a chime; (2) an ornamental object configured forilluminating the wind chime members; and (3) a bracket disposed withinthe chime for carrying a wire through the chime such that the wire doesnot come into contact with the chime's inner surface.

While this invention has been described with reference to anillustrative embodiment, this description is not intended to beconstrued in a limiting sense. Various modifications and otherembodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in theart upon reference to the description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A solar wind chime, comprising: a structurehaving: a body; and a chime supported by the body, the chime extending alength, the chime having: an inner surface; and a bracket coupled to theinner surface of the chime; an electrical subsystem supported by thestructure; a solar energy system conductively coupled to the electricalsubsystem, the solar energy system comprising: a rechargeable electricalpower source; and a solar energy collection system conductively coupledto the rechargeable electrical power source for recharging therechargeable electrical power source; and a wire for providingelectrical power from the power source to at least a portion of theelectrical subsystem, the wire extends the whole length of the chime,and the wire configured to support the electrical subsystem, wherein thewire is at least partially supported by the bracket.
 2. The solar windchime according to claim 1, wherein the electrical subsystem includes alighting element, wherein the wire is for providing electrical powerfrom the power source to the lighting element.
 3. The solar wind chimeaccording to claim 2, wherein the lighting element is supported by thewire.
 4. The solar wind chime according to claim 2, wherein thestructure further comprises: a cage supported by the body; and adecorative object disposed within the cage.
 5. The solar wind chimeaccording to claim 4, wherein the electrical subsystem further comprisesa lighting element disposed within the cage.
 6. The solar wind chimeaccording to claim 4, wherein the decorative object is composed oftranslucent material.
 7. The solar wind chime according to claim 1,wherein the chime further includes a second bracket coupled to the innersurface of the chime, wherein the wire is at least partially supportedby the second bracket.
 8. The solar wind chime according to claim 1,wherein the wire is at least partially supported by the bracket suchthat the wire is prevented from contacting the inner surface of thechime.
 9. The solar wind chime according to claim 1, wherein the bracketincludes an opening, and wherein the wire extends through the opening inthe bracket.
 10. The solar wind chime according to claim 1, wherein thebracket includes a clip for securing the wire.
 11. The solar wind chimeaccording to claim 1, wherein the bracket extends across the inside ofthe chime.
 12. A solar wind chime, comprising: an ornamental object; aplatform supported by the ornamental object; a chime supported by theplatform, the chime extending a length, the chime having: an innersurface; and a bracket extending from the inner surface; an electricalsubsystem supported by the wind chime structure, the electricalsubsystem having at least one lighting element supported by theplatform; a solar energy system conductively coupled to the electricalsubsystem, the solar energy system comprising: a rechargeable electricalpower source; and a solar energy collection system conductively coupledto the rechargeable electrical power source for recharging therechargeable electrical power source; and a wire conductively coupled tothe solar energy system and the electrical subsystem, the wire beingdisposed within the chime and extends the whole length therein, and thewire also being supported within the chime by the bracket.
 13. The solarwind chime according to claim 12, further comprising a striker supportedby the ornamental object.
 14. The solar wind chime according to claim13, wherein the striker houses a decorative object.
 15. The solar windchime according to claim 12, further comprising a body for supportingthe ornamental object.
 16. The solar wind chime according to claim 15,wherein the electrical subsystem further comprises a lighting elementcarried by the body for illuminating the ornamental object in afront-lit fashion.
 17. The solar wind chime according to claim 12,wherein the ornamental object comprises translucent material.
 18. Thesolar wind chime according to claim 12, wherein the at least onelighting element is disposed within the ornamental object.
 19. The solarwind chime according to claim 12, wherein the at least one lightingelement is supported by the wire.